π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Paid Social and Retail Media Marketing Manager
πΉ Company: Wow Bao
πΉ Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
πΉ Job Type: On-site, Full-time
πΉ Category: Marketing
πΉ Date Posted: April 15, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 5-10 years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing a comprehensive e-commerce strategy to drive sales and market share growth
- Managing paid media and social channels, optimizing digital marketing campaigns for maximum impact
- Collaborating cross-functionally with sales, supply chain, and operations to ensure seamless execution and alignment with brand strategy
- Analyzing sales performance and consumer insights to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for growth
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively with various teams to drive business growth through digital channels.
π Key Responsibilities
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Developing and executing a comprehensive e-commerce strategy to drive sales and market share growth
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Managing paid media and social channels, optimizing digital marketing campaigns for maximum impact
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Collaborating cross-functionally with sales, supply chain, and operations to ensure seamless execution and alignment with brand strategy
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Analyzing sales performance and consumer insights to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for growth
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Building relationships with key retailer contacts to ensure best-in-class execution
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Monitoring and enhancing product listings, A+ content, and search optimization strategies to drive discoverability and conversion
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Developing and implementing an eCommerce roadmap and growth plan for both pure play and retailer.com customers
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Partnering with customer teams to enhance site navigation, digital shopping experiences, and merchandising placements
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve business objectives.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: 5+ years of proven success in e-commerce, ideally within a high-growth or new brand environment OR 5+ years experience in paid social marketing in an agency or e-commerce setting OR 5+ years managing paid/performance media for marketing agency or CGP/retail/ecommerce brand.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in e-commerce strategy development and execution
- Strong understanding of paid media strategies (Paid Social, Paid Search, Retargeting) and SEO to drive awareness and conversion
- Experience with social media networks, particularly Meta
- Demonstrated experience building and executing an e-commerce strategy with major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target
- Strong understanding of retail media, search, and e-commerce analytics
- Analytical mindset with expertise in using data to make informed business decisions
- Excellent communication and project management skills, with the ability to manage external partnerships and internal stakeholders
- Excellent reading, writing, and oral proficiency of the English language
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with programmatic and display marketing
- Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) software
- Knowledge of the Asian food industry or similar fast-casual environments
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in e-commerce or paid social marketing, with a proven track record of driving business growth through digital channels.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000 per year. The actual salary amount will vary depending on the applicantβs experience, skills, and abilities as well as internal equity and market data.
Benefits:
- Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Voluntary life insurance
- Voluntary disability insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Sick Leave
- Employee restaurant discounts and employee meals
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
- Employee Discount Programs with Perkspot and Working Advantage
Working Hours: Full-time, on-site position with standard business hours. May require occasional work on evenings or weekends to meet project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Wow Bao operates within the fast-casual restaurant industry, specializing in Asian cuisine. The company has experienced significant growth in recent years, expanding its presence across various channels, including retail stores, airports, universities, and e-commerce platforms.
Company Size: Wow Bao is a mid-sized company with 51-200 employees, providing a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
Founded: Wow Bao was founded in 2003, with its first restaurant location opened in Chicago's Water Tower Place.
Company Description:
- Wow Bao is a fast-casual Asian concept known for its steamed bao, potstickers, dumplings, rice, and noodle bowls.
- The omni-channel brand operates several storefronts, virtual restaurants, and is available in thousands of grocery stores, airports, universities, hotels, e-commerce sites, and hot-food vending machines.
- Wow Bao has been recognized as the 1 Restaurant Brand of the Year by Fast Casual magazine, winning the award twice.
Company Specialties:
- Rice Bowls
- Potstickers
- Fresh Ginger Ginger Ale
- Fast Casual
- Quick Service
- Steamed Bao Buns
Company Website: http://www.wowbao.com
ASSUMPTION: Wow Bao's unique positioning in the fast-casual industry and its omni-channel approach provide opportunities for growth and innovation in the marketing department.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a mid-level management position, reporting directly to the Vice President of Marketing.
Reporting Structure: The Paid Social and Retail Media Marketing Manager will oversee external media agencies and collaborate with internal teams, including sales, supply chain, and operations.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, requiring the candidate to work from Wow Bao's River North office five days a week.
Growth Opportunities:
- As Wow Bao continues to expand its omni-channel presence, there may be opportunities for the candidate to grow into a more senior role or take on additional responsibilities.
- The candidate may have the opportunity to mentor junior team members and contribute to the development of Wow Bao's marketing team.
- Working closely with the Vice President of Marketing, the candidate may have the chance to influence the overall marketing strategy and contribute to the company's long-term growth.
ASSUMPTION: Wow Bao's rapid growth and expansion provide ample opportunities for the right candidate to grow both personally and professionally within the organization.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Wow Bao's River North office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and productivity.
Office Location(s): 230 W Huron St, Chicago, Illinois, US
Geographic Context:
- Chicago is a vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving food scene, providing ample opportunities for networking and professional growth.
- The River North neighborhood is a bustling commercial district with easy access to public transportation and numerous amenities.
- Wow Bao's office is centrally located, making it convenient for employees to commute from various parts of the city.
Work Schedule: Standard business hours with occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: Wow Bao's central location and modern work environment provide an ideal setting for the candidate to thrive both personally and professionally.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- In-person or video interview with the hiring manager (Vice President of Marketing)
- Final interview with key stakeholders
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Candidates' understanding of e-commerce strategies and paid media management
- Candidates' ability to analyze data and make informed decisions
- Candidates' communication and project management skills
- Candidates' cultural fit with Wow Bao's values and work environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with e-commerce strategies, paid media management, and data analysis.
- Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Showcase your passion for the Asian food industry and your understanding of Wow Bao's unique positioning in the market.
ATS Keywords: E-commerce strategy, paid social marketing, digital marketing, data analysis, project management, collaboration, SEO, retail media, consumer insights, budget management, social media, performance media, cross-functional collaboration
ASSUMPTION: Wow Bao's interview process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, cultural fit, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- Social media platforms (Meta, Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
- E-commerce platforms (Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.)
- Retail media platforms (e.g., Kroger Precision Marketing, Walmart Connect, etc.)
- SEO tools (e.g., Google Search Console, SEMrush, etc.)
- Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with relevant tools and technologies, with a willingness to learn and adapt to new platforms as needed.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Caring: Wow Bao fosters a culture of care, putting people first and treating everyone with kindness, empathy, respect, and humor.
- Inspiring: Wow Bao strives to inspire and motivate its employees, appreciating their contributions and supporting their professional growth.
- Motivating: Wow Bao aims to create a motivating work environment, providing opportunities for employees to learn, grow, and succeed.
Work Style:
- Collaborative: Wow Bao encourages cross-functional collaboration and teamwork to achieve business objectives.
- Dynamic: Wow Bao operates in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, requiring employees to be adaptable and proactive.
- Innovative: Wow Bao values creativity and innovation, encouraging employees to think outside the box and challenge the status quo.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you lead from a place of care, putting the needs of others before your own?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, adapting to change as needed?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative work environment, contributing to and learning from a diverse team?
ASSUMPTION: Wow Bao's culture of care, collaboration, and innovation provides an ideal work environment for candidates who are passionate about their work, committed to their team's success, and eager to grow both personally and professionally.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously may require strong organizational skills and time management.
- Working with external media agencies and internal teams may present communication and collaboration challenges that require strong interpersonal skills.
- The fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the e-commerce landscape may require continuous learning and adaptation.
- Balancing the needs of various stakeholders, including retailers, customers, and internal teams, may present strategic and tactical challenges.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be proactive, adaptable, and skilled at navigating complex, dynamic environments to overcome potential challenges.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional marketing roles, this position requires a strong focus on e-commerce strategies and retail media management.
- Wow Bao's unique omni-channel approach provides opportunities for growth and innovation not typically found in traditional retail or restaurant environments.
- As a mid-level management position, this role offers opportunities for career growth and professional development within Wow Bao's marketing department.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be aware of the unique aspects of this role and how it differs from similar positions in the industry, allowing them to tailor their application and interview responses accordingly.
π Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive e-commerce strategy for Wow Bao's retail media presence, driving sales and market share growth.
- Managing and optimizing paid social media campaigns across multiple platforms, maximizing reach, engagement, and conversion.
- Collaborating with internal teams and external media agencies to enhance Wow Bao's digital shopping experiences and merchandising placements.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects provide insight into the day-to-day responsibilities and strategic priorities of the Paid Social and Retail Media Marketing Manager role at Wow Bao.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the biggest challenges facing Wow Bao's e-commerce presence, and how can this role address them?
- How does Wow Bao collaborate with external media agencies, and what role will I play in managing these relationships?
- What opportunities exist for growth and professional development within Wow Bao's marketing department?
- How does Wow Bao's unique omni-channel approach impact the marketing strategy, and what role will I play in shaping this strategy?
- What is Wow Bao's approach to work-life balance, and how does it support employees' personal and professional growth?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to understanding Wow Bao's unique business model and culture.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Workable link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your background in e-commerce strategies, paid media management, and data analysis.
- Prepare for your interview by researching Wow Bao's unique positioning in the fast-casual industry and its omni-channel approach to retail.
- If selected for a final interview, be prepared to discuss your experience with cross-functional collaboration and your ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Follow up with the hiring manager (Vice President of Marketing) within 24 hours after your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role.
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.